U.P. artists converge for Keweenaw Art Affair

November 10, 2011

HOUGHTON - Every year, a fundraiser is held at the Keweenaw Art Affair where funds raised are given to the local arts in some way, and this year is no exception.

The sixth annual Keweenaw Art Affair will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Houghton High School in the gymnasium.

"There will be more than 40 artists there," said Ronda Bogan, chair of the Keweenaw Art Affair.

Article Photos

Garrett Neese/Daily Mining GazetteA woman works at her craft at the Keweenaw Art Affair in 2010. This year’s edition will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Houghton High School.

The mission is to support the arts in the area by giving money to local schools, awards and art centers. This year, the money is going to art departments in schools, Bogan said.

"We want to help promote art and keep people aware," she said.

The event serves as a prime opportunity to Christmas shop early. Vendors include photographers, basket weavers, jewelers, floral art, paintings, sculptures, chain saw art, toys, rugs, paper products and many more. Because the show is juried, there are limited number of artists with similar art. Bogan said while they still trying to keep the popular atmosphere of the show, they do try to tweak it every year, either by bringing different artists or making small changes.

"We've got a really good selection this year," she said.

Although Bogan said they were sad to reject multiple artists with similar displays, such as jewelry, the idea is to make sure the show isn't based around one media.

"It's all handmade and we consider it a fine arts and craft show," Bogan said.

Artists hail from the Copper Country mostly, however, there will be various other Upper Peninsula artists from the Ishpeming area and elsewhere.

"We have some from Ontonagon and out in that area," she said. "We have artists from Baraga. They are all U.P. artists."

Bogan said it's important to shop local, as well, as the event is a good chance to support local artists while also giving U.P.-made gifts.